Voice of Peace: Clamour Grows Louder to Honour Dalai Lama with Bharat Ratna

As His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama recently celebrated his 90th birthday, calls are intensifying across India to confer upon him the country’s highest civilian award, the Bharat Ratna. This growing demand emanates from a broad spectrum of Indian lawmakers, regional leaders, and civil society, recognizing the spiritual leader’s role as a global ambassador of peace, compassion, and India’s ancient wisdom.

 

Key Highlights of the Campaign

 

• An all-party Indian parliamentary forum on Tibet, comprising members across major parties such as BJP, BJD, and Janata Dal (United), has spearheaded a signature campaign securing endorsements from around 80 MPs, aiming to cross 100 signatures for an official memorandum to the government.

• The forum urges the central government to not only award the Dalai Lama the Bharat Ratna but also invite him to address a joint session of Parliament—a move symbolizing India’s embrace of his spiritual and cultural contributions.

• Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has strongly supported the honour, emphasizing the Dalai Lama’s pivotal role in preserving India-originated Nalanda Buddhist traditions and revitalizing Tibetan Buddhism, especially across Himalayan states.

• The campaign underscores the Dalai Lama’s position as a beacon of non-violence and dialogue, having peacefully advocated for Tibetan autonomy while fostering Indian values abroad.

• The forum challenges China’s interference in Tibetan spiritual affairs, asserting that the Dalai Lama’s succession must be determined solely by Tibetan Buddhist traditions without external political influence.

• Public rallies and student union movements, notably in Tawang district, have also raised support, reflecting grassroots enthusiasm towards recognising the Dalai Lama’s legacy.

 

Strategic and Cultural Significance

 

Awarding the Bharat Ratna to the Dalai Lama would reinforce India’s historical and spiritual ties to Tibet, affirm its commitment to human rights and peace, and highlight the nation’s role as a sanctuary for Tibetan Buddhism. It is expected to send a powerful message globally, amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region.

 

Sources: Economic Times, Times of India, Indian Express